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The BIOS changes were made; fast boot was disabled (enables full USB scan), secure boot was disabled, and the Storage Devices was set to Both, UEFI First.

In what I'm beginning to suspect is a problem, I noted the ASUS BIOS indicated that the SDD was still in a "frozen" state again. So I used the SSD secure erase utility to unlock and format the disk (this is said to be compatible with the Intel 530 drives).

The UEFI install USB for Win7 was created successfully.

I was able to trigger the BIOS boot menu and selected my UEFI USB Drive as the boot disk.

Then I proceeded through the steps as described in the UEFI Windows 7 install directions.

It's at this point that things went wrong. I was able to successfully partition the drive, it created the 3 partitions as desired. I then stepped away for a moment and when I came back it had frozen; no keyboard or mouse response. So I tried again, but now it would simply freeze at the "Starting Windows" screen.

I then used the SSD erase utility again and followed all the steps again. This time I kept on it and proceeded right to the installation step, things looked like they were working until it froze again at 11% on the "Expanding Windows" step. If it weren't for the kids being around I would have used some choice words.

I seem unable to locate a utility for diagnosing Intel SSD's that can be booted from CD or USB. If you happen to know of any I'd be grateful for the link. So I'm going to try the utilities on Ultimate Boot CD and another based on HIREM-based Boot CD. I've also found a Linux based Intel Processor diagnostic that I'm going to try as well.

I just can't believe how much this thing is fighting me.

Addendum
On thing to add that I just noticed while looking in the BIOS; I have Secure Boot set to "Other OS", but the Secure Boot State still says Enabled. I'm not sure how or if I can disable this, nor whether this is even the source of the headache.

Did you disable Secure Boot as Win7 will not install when its enabled at all.

Have you tried installing in Legacy mode by booting the media as a non-UEFI device? You'll need to delete all partitions again to allow it to format the HD MBR. If this fails run the Diskpart commands from Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7 adding the command to "Convert MBR"

All CSM settings must of course be in either both UEFI and Legacy or only Legacy. I would keep them set to only Legacy.

Did you disable Secure Boot as Win7 will not install when its enabled at all.

I'm told from folks over at the Asus ROG forums that when CSM is enabled and Other OS is selected that this means Secure Boot is disabled. I'm a little dubious of this only because if that's the case then why does it still indicate that Secure Boot is enabled? That seems like a fairly big oversight on the part of the developer.

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

Have you tried installing in Legacy mode by booting the media as a non-UEFI device? You'll need to delete all partitions again to allow it to format the HD MBR. If this fails run the Diskpart commands from Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7 adding the command to "Convert MBR"

No, I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but it's next. I'm pretty spent tonight as domestic duties occupied a lot more time than anticipated, but I'll give it a shot tomorrow night.

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

All CSM settings must of course be in either both UEFI and Legacy or only Legacy. I would keep them set to only Legacy.

I can try this as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

Have you ensured that there is no UEFI firmware update for your BIOS?

I just checked again and I do have the latest firmware for the BIOS. It's the 1505 version they released on 2014.7.24. I even applied it a second time early on thinking maybe it didn't work right, but that didn't have any effect.

On a personal note, Gregrocker, I am sincerely grateful for your help and guidance on this.

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